Abstract: In various embodiments new molecular tweezers compounds are provided. The compounds described herein (e.g., molecular tweezers) are believed to be useful for inhibiting protein aggregation (or disaggregating aggregated proteins). In certain embodiments the compounds described herein (e.g., molecular tweezers) are believed to be useful in the treatment of pathologies characterized by protein aggregation (e.g., amyloidopathies), and/or in the treatment of brain or spinal cord damage associated with acute trauma, stroke, and the like, and/or in the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases, and/or in the treatment of lipofuscin-related disorders, and in various viral infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating sample constituents are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a fluid flow path with at least one electrophoretic separation element positioned at a region thereof. The separation element includes an element for applying an electric field across the fluid flow path and a trapping element for trapping sample constituents that migrate out of the flow path when an electric field is applied across the fluid flow path. In using the subject devices, sample is moved past the separation element and an electric field is applied across the flow path such that constituents of the sample migrate into the trapping element. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, including protein separation applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, reagents and devices for detection and characterization of nucleic acids, cells, and other biological samples. Assay method are provided in which a sample is partitioned into sub-samples, and analysis of the contents of the sub-samples carried out. The invention also provides microfluidic devices for conducting the assay. The invention also provides an analysis method using a universal primers and probes for amplification and detection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for separating sample constituents are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a fluid flow path with at least one electrophoretic separation element positioned at a region thereof. The separation element includes an element for applying an electric field across the fluid flow path and a trapping element for trapping sample constituents that migrate out of the flow path when an electric field is applied across the fluid flow path. In using the subject devices, sample is moved past the separation element and an electric field is applied across the flow path such that constituents of the sample migrate into the trapping element. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, including protein separation applications.

Abstract: External control reagents for nucleic acid amplification are provided that verify the absence or presence of specific target sequences, and correct primers and probes. A single-stranded, external control polynucleotide is amplified with primers of the same sequence as target primers. Probes with detectable labels and sequences specific for target and external control polynucleotides allow for detection and measurement. The primers and the detectable probe are adjacent or substantially adjacent when hybridized to the external control polynucleotide. Target and control amplicons may be detected by increased fluorescence induced by polymerase-mediated 5? nuclease cleavage or hybridization of a self-quenching probe complementary to both target and external control polynucleotides. A kit of PCR reagents can be dispensed into vessels for rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification assay, with real-time or end-point measurements.

Abstract: External control reagents for nucleic acid amplification are provided that verify the absence or presence of specific target sequences, and correct primers and probes. A single-stranded, external control polynucleotide is amplified with primers of the same sequence as target primers. Probes with detectable labels and sequences specific for target and external control polynucleotides allow for detection and measurement. The primers and the detectable probe are adjacent or substantially adjacent when hybridized to the external control polynucleotide. Target and control amplicons may be detected by increased fluorescence induced by polymerase-mediated 5′ nuclease cleavage or hybridization of a self-quenching probe complementary to both target and external control polynucleotides. A kit of PCR reagents can be dispensed into vessels for rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification assay, with real-time or end-point measurements.

Abstract: Methods of nucleic acid amplification with external controls are provided that verify the absence or presence of specific target sequences, and correct primers and probes. A single-stranded, external control polynucleotide is amplified with primers of the same sequence as target primers. Probes with detectable labels and sequences specific for target and external control polynucleotides allow for detection and measurement. The primers and the detectable probe are adjacent or substantially adjacent when hybridized to the external control polynucleotide. Target and control amplicons may be detected by increased fluorescence induced by polymerase-mediated 5′ nuclease cleavage or hybridization of a self-quenching probe complementary to both target and external control polynucleotides. A kit of PCR reagents can be dispensed into vessels for rapid and accurate nucleic acid amplification assay, with real-time or end-point measurements.

Abstract: Dyeing and printing with sulfur dyestuffs involves dissolving the dyestuff by reduction. The dissolved reduced dyestuff is applied to the material to be dyed or printed and the dyestuff is reconverted into in soluble dyestuff by oxidation. The present invention improves the prior art by using as the dyestuff reducing agent a compound of the formula ##STR1## or an alkali metal salt thereof, wherein R is --H or --OH and R' is --H, --CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 OH.

Abstract: Dyeing with sulfur or vat dyes is improved by using as oxidant for the oxidative after-treatment to bring out final dye shade and fastness, ##STR1## or a protonated product thereof R being hydrogen or --SO.sub.3 M, andM being hydrogen, ammonium or a compatible metal.

Abstract: N-Acyloyl-N'-alkyl-alkylenediamines of the formula ##STR1## are prepared by reacting N-alkyl alkylenediamines with a derivative of a di-carboxylic acid. The compounds and their salts are useful as levelling auxiliaries for the dyeing of polyacrylonitrile or polyester with basic dyestuffs. Advantageously, the compounds are employed in conjunction with a non-ionic dispersing agent, for example a polyethoxylated fatty alcohol, and a solvent to give an electrolyte-insensitive dye bath.